Baitfish lure

ABSTRACT

A fishing lure consisting of an arched hollow body with an interior bait chamber is provided. The interior chamber is divided into a buoyancy chamber and a bait chamber. A number of small openings are formed in the outer body to enable scent and bait particles to be broadcast from bait stored within the bait chamber as the lure is passed through the water. Access to the bait chamber is further provided by either a hinged cover or by a hinged connection formed in the lure body between the buoyancy chamber and the bait chamber. Access to the bait chamber is restricted while the lure is being passed through the water as a result of the water flow positioning either the cover or the hinged lure body over the opening to the bait chamber. Once removed from the water, access to the bait chamber is readily obtained through movement of either the cover or the hinged lure body for re-supplying bait prior to supplemental use of the lure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to fishing lures, and more particularly,to artificial fishing lures. More specifically, the present inventionrelates to artificial fishing lures that include a storage chamberwithin the lure to retain chum material in a manner that exposes thematerial to the water in which the lure is immersed, to enhance theability of the lure to attract fish.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Catching fish on a line has always involved the art of pretense,beginning with the attachment of the first stone gorge to a fishingline, circa 10,000 BC. In fact, many fishermen consider lures, themanner by which such deception is accomplished, to be the morefascinating aspect of sport fishing. Much thought is involved in thefabrication, selection, and manner of employment of fish lures by thesefishermen.

The thousands of artificial lures lining the shelves of tackle storeswould seem to overwhelm any thoughts toward the use of “live” bait. Inthe 90's, using “live” bait to catch fish seems almost ananachronism—something out of a Norman Rockwell painting. In fact,nothing could be further from the truth. While lures and flies may beeffective fish catchers, live baits frequently take more—translatinginto more fun on the water.

In an attempt to have the best of both worlds, certain artificial lureshave included structures that are intended to retain and disburse ascent that is intended to resemble smaller fish, insects or othernatural fish foods. For example, a lure is constructed in U.S. Pat. No.4,047,317 to Pfister out of two shells, creating an intermediate chamberthat is intended to retain any one of various types of scent producingmaterial, such as blood, fish oil, artificial scent and chopped fishparts. When a liquid is used, a piece of felt or sponge is saturatedwith the liquid, and then placed within the chamber.

When employing the strategy of scent enhancement, it is vital that thelure enable the “broadcast” of the scent. U.S. Pat. No. 5,377,442 toGariglio shows a bait rigging system with the bait attached to a hook.This complete access to open water also risks the entire loss of bait,should an unhook event occur. U.S. Pat. No. 5,218,780 to Jacobsenillustrates a coil spring mechanism that wraps around the bait to reducethe risk of unhooked bait. However, the bait in Jacobsen remains onlypartially surrounded, and the battering forces inherent in casting andtrolling place the bait at risk of removal. U.S. Pat. No. 5,117,575 toDesmond provides still another structure for exposing the bait to theflow of water, risking dislodgment and loss of the bait.

In U.S. Patent No. 4,839,982 to Wood, a bag having open mesh sides isprovided, enhancing the securement of the bait. The bag is slidablymounted on the leader, but does not provide the movement obtainedthrough a lure, which can simulate the movement of a minnow or othersmall baitfish.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,163,339 to Worden provides a lure having a loop of lineto encircle the bait. U.S. Pat. No. 4,848, 023 to Ryder makes use of acover for a small fish. Only the head is enclosed within the cover,exposing the body and tail of the fish to the potentially dislodgingeffects of the water. More or less “complete” protection is provided byU.S. Pat. No. 3,748,772 to Gravit, where a live minnow (or other smallfish) is placed within a transparent bubble. With no water exchangepossible, any attraction that is provided by the minnow must be entirelyof a visual nature.

If the best attributes of live bait are to be obtained within the moreconvenience of artificial lures, a need exists for retaining a scentedmaterial within the body of the lure for its preservation, whilepermitting exposure of the scented material to the water through whichthe lure is passed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an artificialfishing lure that is simple in construction and that permits insertionof the bait within the lure body to enable the continued naturalmovement of the lure even after insertion of the bait.

Constructed out of a hard plastic material, the durable lure bodypermits the dispersal of small particles of bait over a period of time,eliminating the requirement for the constant application of bait to thelure. Additionally, the manner of its insertion permits different typesof bait to be used within the lure, including roe, cheese, cut bait, andfish attractant placed on a piece of cotton or other absorbent material.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide easyaccess to the bait-holding compartment within the lure, utilizing anunsecured, hinged connection. The slipstream effect of the moving lureresults in the access opening to the bait-holding compartment remainingsubstantially closed as the lure is moved through the water during use.

In this regard, a lure known as the Helin FLATFISH® is modified byforming two separated, front and rear inner compartments. In one casethe lure body is physically divided by an intermediate hingedconnection, and in the other, the two compartments are formed by aninner partition wall within the lure.

Apertures are provided in the outer wall of the aft, second compartment,which are intended to permit the unimpaired flow of water into and outof the second compartment during passage of the lure through water. Thearched shape of the FLATFISH® lure results in a wobbling action as thelure is drawn through the water. Such wobbling causes particles of baitwithin the compartment to loosen and escape through the apertures,providing a chumming effect to further enhance the attractiveness ofthis lure.

In one case an unsecured outer lid provides access to the interior ofthe second compartment, permitting the placement of bait therein.Alternatively, in another preferred embodiment, a hinged connectionsecures the two halves of the lure, and access to the interior of theaft, second compartment for bait loading is obtained by opening thehinged connection. In both cases, no additional restraints are utilized,such that access to the inner bait compartment is easily obtained byeither lifting the cover or rotating about the hinged connection.

Some further objects and advantages of the present invention shallbecome apparent from the ensuing description and as illustrated in theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partially exploded perspective view showing a fishing lurein accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a fishing lure in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of a fishing lure in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the fishing lure of FIG. 1 inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a partially exploded plan view, with portions in phantom,showing a hinge mechanism for use with the fish lure of the presentinvention;

FIG. 6 is a partial side elevation view showing attachment cleats formedon a portion of the hinge mechanism of FIG. 5; and

FIG. 7 is a partially exploded perspective view showing an a fishinglure having an alternative bait compartment access design in accordancewith the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference is now made to the drawings, wherein like numerals refer tolike parts throughout. In FIG. 1 a fishing lure 10 of a conventionalFLATFISH® design is modified in a manner forming a front or head section14 and an aft section 18 that are attached to one another by a hinge 22,forming a hinged opening 24. Utilization of the hinge 22 enables thearticulation of the front section 14 and the aft section 18 between anopen and a closed position (FIG. 1 illustrates the “open” position).

The front section 14 narrows to a leading tip 26, enhancing its abilityto move in a generally linear manner as it is pulled through water. Atits connection with the hinge 22, the front section 14 has broadened toform an interior buoyancy chamber 32 that is closed off by an end cap36. It has been the interaction between shape and buoyancy, and theresulting “live action” wiggling movement, that has made this type oflure so popular with fishermen.

There is no similar closure over the aft section 18, resulting in theformation of an inner bait chamber 42. A plurality of scent apertures 46are formed in an outer surface of the aft section 18, permitting fluidcommunication between the bait chamber 42 and the environmentsurrounding the fishing lure 10. The scent apertures 46. enable passageof water into and from the bait chamber 42 while the fishing lure 10 isin the water, permitting the dispersal of scent and, in some instances,particles of the bait material (not shown in the Figures) placed withinthe bait chamber 42 into the surrounding water to further attract fish.

The aft section 18 also narrows towards a trailing tip 48, which formsan attachment point for fishhook-mounting hardware, such as a hook eyescrew 52. A treble hook 56 is shown attached to the hook eye screw 52 inFIG. 1, although other types of hooks are certainly acceptable asfalling within the scope of the present invention.

The interplay between the buoyancy chamber 32 and the shape of the frontsection 14 provides a mechanism to regulate the depth of the fishinglure 10 as it passes through the water. A leader eye screw 62 isattached to the front section 14 at a location that is determined by thedesired trolling depth. Placement of the leader eye screw 62 at alocation closer to the leading tip 26 results in a smaller angle ofattack of the front section 14 relative to the water, and a highertrolling level relative to the water surface.

In FIGS. 2 and 3 the fishing lure 10 is shown with the hinged opening 24in a “closed” position. As depicted therein, the plurality of scentapertures 46 are preferably located both dorsally and ventrally on thefishing lure 10. As so located , maximum dispersal of any scentedmaterial contained within the bait chamber 42 (not shown in FIGS. 2 and3) is achieved as the fishing lure 10 is passed through the water.

FIG. 4 shows the placement and relative dimensions of the buoyancychamber 32 and the bait chamber 42 within the fishing lure 10. As sealedby the end cap 36, the air within the buoyancy chamber 32 is anessential part of the fishing lure 10. As it is moved through the water,this trapped air and the outer shape of the fishing lure 10 create thewiggling movement meant to attract interest from the game fish. Movementthrough the water also maintains the hinged opening 24 in the relatively“closed” position illustrated in FIG. 4.

By eliminating any latching mechanism for the hinged opening 24, agreater degree of reliance is placed upon the hinge 22 and its manner ofattachment to the fishing lure 10. A pair of extended support flanges 68are received within the body of the fishing lure 10, one on either sideof the hinged opening 24. A hinge pin 72 is received within the twohinge pieces, holding them together and forming a pivot, all in aconventional manner. To further anchor the hinge 22 within the fishinglure 10, a plurality of retention cleats 76 are formed on each of theextended support flanges 68. The retention cleats 76 resist the forcedwithdrawal of the support flanges 68 from within the body of the fishinglure 10 should a force, such as a hooked fish (not shown in the Figures)be applied. An additional view of the retention cleats 76 is alsoprovided in FIG. 6.

A presently preferred alternative embodiment is shown in FIG. 7, whereina modified lure 82 is internally divided into a front section 86 and anaft section 88 by an intermediately located plug 90. The front section86 is filled with air for buoyancy, and the aft section forms abait-receiving compartment 92. A cover 94 provides access to thebait-receiving compartment 92, with a cover hinge 96 enabling theopening and closing of the cover 94 between an open (only shown as“open” in FIG. 7).

As is the case with the fishing lure 10 previously discussed in thecontext of FIGS. 1-6, the modified lure 82 is provided with a pluralityof scent apertures 98 formed in the aft section 88. These scentapertures 98 permit fluid communication between the interior of thebait-receiving compartment 92 and the environment through which themodified lure 82 is passed.

In this manner such scents as are emanated from any scented materiallocated in the bait-receiving compartment 92 are broadcast to thesurrounding water environment in the hopes of attracting additional fishto the area. Also, where desired, an additional treble hook 56 a andanother eyelet 52 a can be located midlure, as is shown in FIG. 7. Somesportfish are quite specific in their attack behavior, and differenthook locations can take advantage of such characteristics.

The fishing lure of the present invention is preferably fabricated outof a plastic material, preferably one that is hard with good wearcharacteristics. While the overall dimensions of the lure can vary(depending upon such factors as the type of fish being sought and thefishing location), for the majority of circumstances such lures are fourinches in length and have a maximum thickness of 1½ inches in themid-portion of the lure. Such lures as are sold under the FLATFISH®trademark by the Yakima Bait Co. of Granger, Wash., illustrate thegenerally-acceptable outer dimensions for the fishing lures contemplatedunder the present invention.

When utilizing a lure of length four inches, the hinged opening isappropriately located 2½ inches from the leading tip. At that locationthe cross-section of the lure is substantially circular, and the end caphas a diameter of approximately 1⅜ inches. The aft section extends about1½ inches from the hinged opening to the trailing tip, and (in apresently preferred embodiment) is provided with twelve (12) scentapertures-of ⅛ inch diameter.

With only the hinge retaining the aft section to the front section, toavoid separation after a fist strike requires that the hinge be solidlyanchored in both sections. In a presently preferred embodiment that isaccomplished by utilizing support flanges that extend up to ¾ inchesinto the opposing sections. Additionally, retention cleats extendingapproximately {fraction (1/16)} inches above the surrounding surface ofthe support flanges further resist the extraction of the flanges duringuse.

The modified lure is typically of similar dimension as that previouslydiscussed, with an outer cover of ¾ inches in diameter providing accessto the bait receiving compartment. Like its previously-discussedcompanion lure, the cover of the modified lure is not secured, to assistin the bait loading process. Any such securement mechanisms make loadingconsiderably more complicated, a situation made worse for the fishermanby the always present hooks that are ready to puncture and errant movewhile placing the bait within the lure.

My invention is disclosed in terms of a preferred embodiment thereof,which provides a baitfishing lure that is of great novelty and utility.Various changes, modifications, uses, and alterations in the teachingsof the present invention may be contemplated by those skilled in the artwithout departing from the intended spirit and scope thereof. It isintended that the present invention encompass such changes andmodifications.

I claim:
 1. A fishing lure and delivery system for fish attracting scentmaterial comprising: a bi-chamber substantially cylindrical body havinga front section and an aft section, with a first chamber located withinsaid front section and a second chamber having an access opening formedin said aft section, said front section and said aft section attached toone another by an unrestrained single hinged connection, with saidaccess opening to said second chamber located adjacent thereto, said aftsection provided with an outer skin having a plurality of openingsformed therein, said plurality of openings enabling fluid communicationbetween said outer skin and interior portions of said second chamber. 2.A fishing lure according to claim 1, and further comprising a fish lineattachment appliance attached to said front section.
 3. A fishing lureaccording to claim 2, and further comprising a fishhook attached to saidaft section.
 4. A fishing lure according to claim 3, wherein saidfishhook is attached to said aft section at a location positionedsubstantially on a longitudinal axis of said aft section.
 5. A fishinglure according to claim 4, wherein the fishhook attachment location isspaced from the location of hinged connection with said front section.